Desirous vs. Desirable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 30, 2024
Desirous refers to feeling a strong want or wish for something, while desirable describes something appealing or worth wanting. Both terms relate to want but from different perspectives.
Difference Between Desirous and Desirable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Desirous is an adjective that describes a person's strong feeling of wanting or longing for something. This term emphasizes the emotional or psychological state of the individual who desires something. On the other hand, desirable refers to the qualities or attributes of an object or person that make it appealing or attractive to others. It focuses on the worthiness or appeal of the thing being desired.
While desirous implies an active state of wanting that comes from within an individual, desirable speaks to the passive qualities that make something or someone attract desire from others. Desirous is subjective, varying greatly from person to person based on their preferences and experiences. Conversely, what is considered desirable can be influenced by cultural, social, or universal standards of beauty, functionality, or value.
Desirous often involves a direct, personal longing for something that may satisfy a need or fulfill a wish. For example, one may be desirous of success, love, or adventure. Desirable, however, typically implies that something possesses qualities universally acknowledged as good or valuable, such as a desirable job, partner, or living situation.
The context in which desirous and desirable are used also differs. Desirous is usually used to describe a person's feelings or state of mind, indicating a personal connection to the object of desire. In contrast, desirable is often used in a broader context, highlighting the attributes of objects, situations, or individuals that are widely recognized as appealing or sought after.
Both terms are related to the concept of desire, desirous focuses on the internal aspect of wanting, while desirable emphasizes external attributes that invoke desire. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nuanced ways in which desire can be experienced and expressed.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling a strong want or wish for something.
Having qualities that are appealing or attractive.
Focus
On the individual’s feeling of want.
On the attributes that make something appealing.
Subjectivity
Highly subjective and personal.
Can be more objective, based on wider appeal.
Context of Use
Describes a person's state of mind.
Describes qualities of objects or situations.
Example
A person may be desirous of approval.
A job may be desirable for its benefits.
Compare with Definitions
Desirous
Eager to obtain or possess something.
She was desirous of a new challenge in her career.
Desirable
Attractive or sought-after in nature.
The apartment's location is highly desirable.
Desirous
Exhibiting desire or longing.
They were desirous of a change in scenery.
Desirable
Advisable or recommended under the circumstances.
It is desirable to finish the project before the deadline.
Desirous
Feeling a longing or craving for something.
He was desirous of recognition from his peers.
Desirable
Likely to achieve success or popularity.
The new product was considered desirable by the market analysts.
Desirous
Wishing for something to happen or be the case.
She was desirous of seeing her old friends again.
Desirable
Worth having or wanting; pleasing, excellent, or fine.
A desirable outcome in the negotiations.
Desirous
Wanting to achieve or gain something.
He was desirous of a promotion at work.
Desirable
Having qualities that arouse desire.
The job offer was desirable for its salary and benefits.
Desirous
Having or expressing desire; desiring
Both sides were desirous of finding a quick solution to the problem.
Desirable
Worthy to be desired; pleasing; agreeable.
This applicant has almost all desirable properties.
Desirous
Feeling desire; eagerly wishing; eager to obtain.
Desirable
Wished for as being an attractive, useful, or necessary course of action
It is desirable to check that nothing has been forgotten
Desirous
Feeling desire; eagerly wishing; solicitous; eager to obtain; covetous.
Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him.
Be not desirous of his dainties.
Desirable
A desirable person or thing
The store sells various desirables
Desirous
Having or expressing desire for something;
Desirous of high office
Desirous of finding a quick solution to the problem
Desirable
Worth having or seeking, as by being useful, advantageous, or pleasing
A desirable job in the film industry.
A home computer with many desirable features.
Desirable
Worth doing or achieving; advisable
A desirable reform.
A desirable outcome.
Desirable
A desirable person or thing.
Desirable
A thing that people want; something that is desirable.
There are plenty of desirables on display in the window.
Desirable
Worthy of desire or longing; fitted to excite desire or a wish to possess; pleasing; agreeable.
All of them desirable young men.
As things desirable exciteDesire, and objects move the appetite.
Desirable
Worth having or seeking or achieving;
A desirable job
Computer with many desirable features
A desirable outcome
Desirable
Worthy of being chosen especially as a spouse;
The parents found the girl suitable for their son
Common Curiosities
What makes something desirable?
Something is considered desirable if it has qualities that are appealing, attractive, or beneficial.
Is being desirous always positive?
Being desirous is not always positive; it depends on the context and whether the desire is for something beneficial or potentially harmful.
Can a person be described as desirable?
Yes, a person can be described as desirable if they possess attractive qualities, either physically, emotionally, or in terms of their personality.
What does desirous mean?
Desirous means feeling a strong want or wish for something.
Does desirous refer only to material wants?
No, desirous can refer to a wide range of wants, including emotional, spiritual, and material desires.
Does the concept of desirable change over time?
Yes, what is considered desirable can change over time due to cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changing societal values.
Does everyone have the same desires?
No, desires vary greatly among individuals based on personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.
Is desirous a temporary state?
Desirous can be a temporary state, depending on whether the desire is fulfilled or changes over time.
How can a product become desirable?
A product can become desirable through quality, innovation, marketing, and meeting consumers' needs or wants.
Can societal standards influence what is considered desirable?
Yes, societal standards and cultural norms greatly influence what is considered desirable.
Is it possible to be desirous of something intangible?
Absolutely, people can be desirous of intangible things like love, success, or happiness.
Can desirous feelings be controlled or influenced?
Desirous feelings can be influenced by awareness, self-control, and understanding the underlying needs or wants.
How does personal preference affect what an individual finds desirable?
Personal preference plays a significant role in determining what an individual finds desirable, influenced by their experiences, values, and tastes.
Can something be desirable but not good for you?
Yes, something can be desirable but not necessarily good for you, such as unhealthy foods or risky behaviors.
How do marketers make a product more desirable?
Marketers can make a product more desirable through advertising, highlighting its benefits, and creating a sense of need or urgency.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
